Stand with Sunny: Save Broadway 21 Cleaners

Dear Astoria community,

I'm writing to you today with a heavy heart and a call for help.

This plea is on behalf of Sunny, the owner of Broadway 21 Cleaners, a beloved dry cleaning shop that has been serving the vibrant community of Astoria, Queens, for as long as many of us can remember.

Earlier this morning, I received a text reminder from Sunny to pick up my dry cleaning in the coming days as she will be closing down her storefront at the end of May. This news shocked many of my friends and neighbors, some of whom who have known her for over two decades, spurring us to start this fund independently out of love and concern for this humble neighborhood.

For many years, Broadway 21 Cleaners has been more than just a place to drop off clothes—it has been a lifeline for Astoria residents, a hub of warmth and camaraderie in the heart of the neighborhood. I've heard countless stories about how Sunny, the owner, has poured her heart and soul into her work, tirelessly and diligently serving each and every person who walks through her doors.

Now, our Sunny is being pulled along by the winds of gentrification that have swept from LIC up through Astoria, the very winds that are raising lease prices and guiding the looming shadow of corporate giants. The recent opening of a Starbucks next door to her business has served only to exacerbate this context, putting immense pressure on her and many businesses like hers to stay afloat. Despite her best efforts to weather the storm, she is at risk of being swept away forever by forces beyond our control.

This is why I am coming to you, our cherished community, for help. We need your support now more than ever to ensure that Sunny can continue to serve the people of Astoria for years to come. With your generous donations, we hope to support her long enough to secure a new location in the neighborhood—a safe haven where she can continue to provide essential dry cleaning services to local residents.

Every dollar counts in our fight to keep this storefront alive. Your contribution, no matter how small, will make a world of difference. Based on current retail leasing prices in the area, we’ve set a target of $100k (~15,000 grande pumpkin spice lattes), which should be enough to help her find a new location in the neighborhood so she can stay in NYC.

EDIT: I would like to emphasize that Sunny will 100% be forced to close down her current location as her landlord is refusing to renew her lease.

This fund is for her to move to a new location in the area, otherwise we will refund all donations if we are not able to raise enough funds to make this happen.

Together, we can preserve the heart and soul of Astoria's small businesses and keep the spirit of Sunny’s shop alive for generations to come. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support.

With gratitude,

Another proud Astoria resident